Passenger allegedly flees scene of Yreka collision

YREKA – A passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a collision at the Oberlin and Fairlane Road intersection Wednesday reportedly fled the scene, and was later arrested on a warrant.

Robert Morrison, 43, of Hornbrook, was charged with failure to appear on felony charges, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia and obstructing a public officer.

According to Yreka Police Department (YPD) Lt. Dave Gamache, authorities were dispatched to the intersection of Fairlane and Oberlin roads at approximately 11:54 a.m. upon receiving a report of the collision.

Gamache said Susan Pindell, 64, of Yreka, was traveling northbound on Fairlane Road in a 2007 Dodge pickup with an attached trailer. She made a stop at the Oberlin Road intersection. While she was attempting to turn west onto Oberlin Road, she pulled in front of an eastbound 1983 Ford Mustang, driven by Raul Mario Mercado, 45, of Yreka. Mercado collided with the Dodge.

No injuries were reported as a result of the collision, stated Gamache.

According to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), Morrison was traveling with Mercado when the collision occurred, and he allegedly fled on foot before officials arrived.

Gamache said YPD officers attended to the traffic collision while the SCSO launched a search for Morrison, and arrested him shortly thereafter.

Pindell was found to be responsible for the collision, although Gamache said she was not cited. Rather, Mercado was cited for driving on a suspended license and for not having insurance.

Morrison is being held in the Siskiyou County Jail on $50,000 bail.

According to online court documents, a warrant was issued for Morrison’s arrest after he failed to appear for a court hearing. His court appearance was for a case in which he was charged with transporting a controlled substance along with special allegations for prior drug offenses.